Nortel Networks 450 - Manual (Page 95)

BayStack 450 10/100/1000 Series Switches
302401-D Rev 00 1-69
Before Configuring Trunks
When you create and enable a trunk, the trunk members (switch ports) take on
certain settings necessary for correct operation of the MultiLink Trunking feature.
Before configuring your MultiLink Trunk, you must consider these settings, along
with specific configuration rules, as follows:
1. Read the configuration rules provided in the next section, “MultiLink
Trunking Configuration Rules .”
2. Determine which switch ports (up to four) are to become trunk members
(the specific ports making up the trunk):
• A minimum of two ports are required for each trunk.
• Ensure that the chosen switch ports are set to Enabled, using either the
Port Configuration screen (see “Port Configuration” on page 3-32) or
network management.
• Trunk member ports must have the same VLAN configuration.
3. All network cabling should be complete and stable before configuring any
trunks, to avoid configuration errors.
4. Consider how the existing spanning tree will react to the new trunk
configuration (see “
Spanning Tree Considerations for MultiLink Trunks ”
on page 1-72 ).
5. Consider how existing VLANs will be affected by the addition of a trunk.
6. After completing the above steps, see “MultiLink Trunk Configuration”
on page 3-37 for screen examples and field descriptions that will help you
configure your MultiLink Trunks.
MultiLink Trunking Configuration Rules
The MultiLink Trunking feature is deterministic; that is, it operates according to
specific configuration rules. When creating trunks, consider the following rules
that determine how the MultiLink Trunk reacts in any network topology:
• Any port that participates in MultiLink Trunking must be an active port (set to
Enabled via the Port Configuration screen or through network management).
kombk.book Page 69 Tuesday, June 29, 1999 3:25 PM